Cherries: Pearce's pursuit of promotion record

03 March 2011 07:00

CAPTAIN courageous Jason Pearce is vowing to keep battling through the pain barrier as he bids to lead Cherries to an historic double.

The combative defender has played every minute of every game this season and been a vital cog in Cherries' League One promotion push.

But his unblemished attendance record has come under threat in recent weeks due to a nagging back complaint not that Pearce has let it affect him.

And the 23-year-old says he is determined to plough on as he sets his sights on becoming the first man to lead the club to back-to-back promotions.

Pearce told the Daily Echo: I think it has been down to the heavy ground. The muscles in my back have been getting tight and I have needed to rest it.

At this stage of the season, you have just got to try to get through it. Although we have got back up, I want to play in every game.

I am doing everything to make sure I am right. If it feels okay, I will train but, if it is sore, I will probably sit out because I need to rest it.

I have sessions with the chiropractor and am dealing with it. Providing I keep looking after myself, I am sure everything will be okay for the remainder of the season.

Pearce turned in another commanding performance at the back as Cherries came from behind to beat Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday. And despite his no-nonsense style, the Londoner has had an excellent fitness record since arriving at Dean Court in 2007.

I have always been taught to go in for tackles fully committed, said Pearce. If you don't go in 100 per cent, you could be the one to get hurt. I have always gone in wholeheartedly and it has served me well.

Preparing correctly and eating the right things has also stood me in good stead and kept me fit and healthy.

I train the same way as I play. I got a fat lip in training after a collision with Jayden (Stockley) last week but you have got to get on with it. You take the knocks and play through it.

Pearce has again be one of Cherries' most consistent performers and has played his part in helping new boss Lee Bradbury earn a nomination for the League One manager of the month for February.

I think we have reacted superbly after losing Eddie (Howe) and Jason (Tindall), said Pearce. The lads took to Bradders and Fletch immediately and we have been on a good run.

People probably thought things would go downhill after Eddie went but we are a hungry group and are desperate to achieve something. There is a fierce determination to succeed.

Bradders and Fletch haven't really changed anything and I think that has shown in our performances and results.